Mike Hearn: Blocksize Debate at the Breaking Point

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Whether the block size should be increased to 20MB has created more controversy than any other question in Bitcoin’s recent history. For some, it is an urgent and necessary step in Bitcoin’s evolution. Their view is that leaving the block size at 1MB would be irresponsible inaction with potentially catastrophic consequences. Others see increasing the block size as unnecessary and a dangerous first step down a slippery slope towards a more centralized Bitcoin.

We were joined by Mike Hearn, along with Gavin Andresen the most outspoken supporter of a block size increase. He is also the creator of Bitcoin XT, a modified fork of Bitcoin Core, that may become the vehicle for the push for bigger blocks if no agreement is reached regarding Bitcoin Core. Don’t miss this crucial conversation!

Topics covered in this episode:

• What would happen if blocks started being consistently full
• Whether bigger blocks create a centralization risk
• Why Bitcoin core development has become pervaded with toxic division
• What Bitcoin XT is and how it differs from Bitcoin Core
• The roadmap ahead and how a transition to BitcoinXT would occur
• Update on Lighthouse

Episode links:

• The Capacity Cliff
• Crash Landing
• Let's Talk Bitcoin! #217 The Bitcoin Block Size Discussion
• Gavin Andresen Moves Ahead with Push for Bigger Blocks
• Bitcoin Dev Mailing List
• Lighthouse

This episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain and Sébastien Couture. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/082